Jay Shah, currently the honorary secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been elected unopposed as the Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Shah will officially assume his new role on December 1, 2024.
This significant development follows the announcement that the current ICC Chair, Greg Barclay, would not seek a third term and would step down after his tenure ends in November 2024.
Jay Shah's election to this prestigious position marks a new chapter in his career and a significant moment for international cricket. His unopposed election underscores the widespread support and confidence that the global cricket community has in his leadership abilities. Shah, who was the only nominee for the chairmanship, expressed his gratitude and outlined his vision for the future of cricket.
In his statement, Shah emphasised his commitment to expanding cricket's global reach and increasing its popularity, particularly with the sport's upcoming inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. This inclusion is seen as a crucial step in introducing cricket to new audiences and markets, further solidifying its place on the global sports stage.
Shah highlighted the importance of balancing the coexistence of multiple formats of the game, promoting the adoption of advanced technologies, and making cricket more inclusive and accessible to people worldwide.
He expressed his determination to work closely with the ICC team and its member nations to achieve these goals. Shah's vision for cricket is one that embraces innovation while building on the lessons learned from the past.
The upcoming inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics is particularly significant, as it represents a major opportunity for the sport to grow in regions where it has traditionally been less popular. Shah is confident that this milestone will help drive cricket forward in unprecedented ways, opening up new avenues for growth and engagement.
As Shah prepares to take on his new role, the global cricket community is looking forward to seeing how his leadership will shape the future of the sport. His election comes at a time when cricket is at a critical juncture, with the need to balance tradition with innovation, and to expand its appeal beyond its traditional strongholds.
Jay Shah's leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the ICC, focusing on making cricket a truly global sport. His commitment to promoting the sport and making it more inclusive aligns with the broader goals of the ICC and its member nations. With Shah at the helm, the future of cricket looks promising, with new opportunities for growth and development on the horizon.
Follow us
